POLL:What is your defintion of a multi tool?

[damota]

I've never considered a SAK a multi-tool, so I chose scissors or pliers.

Then again, many SAKs have scissors or pliers.  DOH!

The most used multitool I have is the Cybertool. Pliers = a posh set of tweezers (but good for holding something to solder it if/when needed), scissors = great for cutting wire but I would not like to use them for anything big, the best set of drivers for computer use on any tool. The knife blades = the small one I use for stripping wire, trimming those molding bits off plastic but I would not use it as a EDC knife. The large one I used once and ended up with the lock slipping, useless, it would have been  better if a file.
I would class a multitool as any tool that can be used do a job on its own I would never class the Cybertool as a knife only as a multitool and a exelant one it is for its purpose.
Sorry you SAK collectors, I would not use any SAK as a knife although because they have sharp blades on them the law does.

[Grant Lamontagne]

What about one handed, locking models?  Two of these OHT's have been modded to be a little more "Knife-like" while the third one is the actual issue model for the German Army.
Def

[Kapt Kopter]

Wow quite the mixed results with "must have multiple tools in the lead....
Hey Def could repost that pic, I'd like to get a better look, the pic is all blurry.....could be my eyes though.. ......was up until 3:30 am last night

Thanks,
Kap

[Grant Lamontagne]

Not your eyes, it's a blurry pic.... I think I have a better one...
Def

[damota]

What about one handed, locking models?  Two of these OHT's have been modded to be a little more "Knife-like" while the third one is the actual issue model for the German Army.
Def

I stand corrected but I have never seen those. Unfortunately we could not use them in the UK if they lock, I use a UK Spyderco and I got a CRKT Edgie of which the Spyderco is the most used.
Dave

[Kapt Kopter]

BUMP.........I thought I would bring this to the top for our newer members.....interesting stats being accumulated  ;D

Kap

Keep those votes coming fellow plierheads

[Grant Lamontagne]

Any new thoughts on this?

Def

[supratentorial]

The word "multi-tool" isn't in the Merriam-Webster dictionary or the Cambridge dictionary or Wikipedia.  Therefore "multi-tools" don't exist...  nor does this website and your imaginary friends. 

...from Merriam-Webster's online dictionary (http://www.m-w.com):

Main Entry: multi-
Function: combining form
Etymology: Latin, from multus much, many -- more at MELIORATE
1 a : many : multiple : much <multivalent> b : more than two <multilateral> c : more than one <multiparous> <multibillion>
2 : many times over <multimillionaire>

Main Entry: 1tool
Pronunciation: 'tül
Function: noun
Etymology: Middle English, from Old English tOl; akin to Old English tawian to prepare for use -- more at TAW
1 a : a handheld device that aids in accomplishing a task b (1) : the cutting or shaping part in a machine or machine tool (2) : a machine for shaping metal : MACHINE TOOL
2 a : something (as an instrument or apparatus) used in performing an operation or necessary in the practice of a vocation or profession <a scholar's books are his tools> b : an element of a computer program (as a graphics application) that activates and controls a particular function <a drawing tool> c : a means to an end <a book's cover can be a marketing tool> d often vulgar : smurf
3 : one that is used or manipulated by another
4 plural : natural ability <has all the tools to be a great pitcher>

Strictly basing the meaning of "multi-tool" on the definition of "multi-" and "tool" broadens the category well beyond things that resemble leatherman tools (esp when you consider definition (2)d for "tool" ).  I think any tool with multiple implements can be considered a "multi-tool".  But I would not include a tool with a single implement that has multiple uses--that's a "multi-function tool".  I would however think a "multi-tool" can be considered a "multi-function tool" eventhough a "multi-function tool" isn't always a "multi-tool".  Is your head spinning yet?

Definitions often depend on perspective.  According to BIG-TARGET's wife, "multi-tools" with blades are "box cutters".  And who would want to argue with a woman?    They do work well for cutting boxes so maybe she's right.

"Nothing is true; everything is permitted." --Hasaan I Sabah[/i]
 

[Tom Munch]

Looking at the choices:

  1. Must have a pliers or scissors
  2. Must have multiple implements
  3. Must have multiple uses
  4. Must have more than one implement

I consider a SAK a multi-tool, & I think most of us think of a folding scissors or pliers when we see this, so #1 is out.
I would consider a doohicky that is only one implement with multiple cutouts & surfaces for different purposes a multi-tool like some Atwood goodies, so #2 is out.
On the same logic as the last sentence #3 would fit & #4 would violate.
Looks like #3 is the best choice for my definition of a multi-tool.

This is a great thread, & I doubt we will come to a definite answer unless we look at when the term "multi-tool" first came into being & what it was referring to.  I suspect it was a Leatherman PST.

[Grant Lamontagne]

Well if anyone is going to be the defining entity, I would imagine it would be us!

I personally believe that the term "multitool" is shortened from the term "Multiple Purpose Tool" or "Multiple Function Tool" which may or mat not help.  Again, depending on perspective, a hammer could be a multitool since it both pounds nails and removes them.  Or a ball peen hammer because it hammers different ways depending on what side of the head you are using.  Similar to my pencil/eraser analogy above.

I don't think those items fit in the multitool catagory myself, because while they do different "things" they are all related.  Erasing is part of writing/drawing, pulling nails and hammering nails, peening etc are all different facets of hammering.  Just like navigating is a part of driving a car, even though you don't learn to navigate on a driver's exam.  But where would you be if you had no idea where you were going?

A multitool, at least in the extent that it concerns us here, is a tool that can perform a variety of tasks, and is equipped to do that.  It comes with an array of tools, to perform a number of duties, which may include, but not limited to (lawyer speak alert!) knife blade, pliers, screwdrivers, saws and files.

These tools don't have to be plier based, folding, locking, removeable or have any other features, and so the Alphaskate tool and some of the guitar tools di indeed fit the bill, as do the Frog Tool and some Atwood gadgets.

A SAK is indeed a multitool in that definition, but a different kind of multitool, in the same way that a Mercedes Smart Car is a different kind of automobile than a Ford Excursion. 

Unless of course you define what it is based on and consider a knife different from a tool, in which case, a SAK no longer fits the catagory of a multitool since it is based on a knife rather than a tool, like a screwdriver, pliers, wrench etc.

So, I think we need to define other things before we can define what a multitool is.  For example, is a knife a tool?  I imagine the tSA would have much to say on that subject.

Def

[Tom Munch]

"Based on" is also a difficult phrase.  We assume that the folding knife was the first type of gadget with two scales, a hinge, some bolsters, & a tool that folds out for use, but I suspect there may have been other items in early toolhood that used similar designs.  I have seen many interesting tools in historic woodshop displays & tool displays at museums that hint at multiple uses of what we would think the current SAK is "based on".  Folding between two scales is a pretty simple engineering solution to making something shorter for easy carry & protection of the tool & bearer.  Granted we don't see folding tools until the materials & engineering reach a sophistication that allows for them.  It would be interesting to see King Arthur wielding his folding lance & sword though.

I'm enjoying the debate.  Carry on!!

[supratentorial]

For example, is a knife a tool?

I definately believe that a knife is a tool and the Cambridge dictionary backs me up on that one.

Well if anyone is going to be the defining entity, I would imagine it would be us!

Common usage has definately shaped and reshaped the English language.  In some parts of the US the word "Coke" is a generic term for "soda" or "pop".  Some (crazy) people call leatherman-like tools "leathermans" even though they are manufactured by other companies.  In addition to becoming household names, manufacturers also influence language by defining their own tools.  Leatherman's website refers to their tools as "multipurpose tools".  On the Victorinox website, SAK and SwissTools are both listed as "multi-tools". 

I personally believe that the term "multitool" is shortened from the term "Multiple Purpose Tool" or "Multiple Function Tool" which may or mat not help.

The term may have well originated from "multiple purpose tool" or "multiple function tool".  It would be helpful to know the history of the word.  Anyone know more about the history of the word?  I take the word "multi-tool" more literally as an instrument with multiple tools.  I would not include an item with one implement that had multiple functions--like a cats paw.  I consider a cats paw a "multi-function" or "multi-purpose" tool.  Conversely, I think that all "multi-tools" can be consider "multi-function" or "multi-purpose" tools.   

[J-sews]

I'm watching this conversation with great interest. It seems that we all have a similar opinion, more or less, but are struggling to come up with an adequate definition of the word "multitool."

So how about we turn it around the other way; instead of describing what the word "multitool" means, tell us the best name to call a Leatherman-like device that has knives and other tool functions folded up into it?

The name has to be specific to this type of device, so that when you say it or write it, the person whom you are communicating with cannot mistake it for any other type of device, such as a SAK or a kit of folding allen wrenches.

I've got a couple thoughts, but I'll wait and see what you guys reply with.......

[damota]

Some (crazy) people call leatherman-like tools "leathermans" even though they are manufactured by other companies. 

That is how multitools are general known by most people I am afraid, crazy does not come into it, it is fast becoming the genetic term along with mutitool. I think it would be hard to change or stop it. I do not know about in the US but over here a floor cleaner referred to as either a Hoover or sometimes a Dyson no matter who manufactured it just depends what system it uses.

Dave

[supratentorial]

crazy does not come into it

That was tongue-in-cheek humor.  I'll work on it.  But we both seem to acknowledge the same type of phenomenon.

I think J-sews hit the nail on the head--both by changing the direction of focus and by using the term "Leatherman-like".  It doesn't roll off the tongue but "Leatherman-like" tool is probably the most historically accurate name for something that resembles a Leatherman...  meaning a Leatherman tool, not a member of Tim's family. --is my humor getting any better?  If someone comes up with a catchier name... that'd be great.  ...maybe "multi-tool" for example.